Measles in Ethiopia (Update)

08 Apr 2014

The Ministry of Health for Ethiopia and health partners are continuing with the measles immunisation campaign in reponse to the spike in cases, mid-January 2014. More that 5000 suspected cases have been recorded, of which 975 have been confirmed. Affected areas include; Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples and Tigray regions.

Almost 2 million children have already been vaccinated, however, the national campaign is targeting 6.7 million children under 15 years in 125 districts.

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of MMR at 12-15 months of age and again pre-school around 3 years 6 months, while unimmunised adults who have not had the disease themselves may consider vaccination if thought to be at risk. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give adequate protection.